Still contemplating, and waiting...
For 11 days now I've wanted to make comment on Rob Zombie's Halloween. Considering the original was the first film I ever saw at the age of three, I've been extremely torn regarding the remake. Although I love Rob Zombie as a filmmaker and musician, I'm just not entirely sold on the changes he's making. I read the script about three weeks ago, and then on April 6th the studio released the teaser trailer. The script's biggest sin as a "remake" is that it gives us Michael's childhood. Why is everything these days about characters' formative years? Nothing in the script concerning this portion gave me any buzz. What did? The stuff that retread the original 1978 John Carpenter film, a veritable classic, easily one of the best films ever made. The fact it was a very low-budget independent production makes it all the more delicious. So to see Zombie reuse the sheet with glasses scene (always my favourite scene) from the original is awesome.
But ultimately it comes to this: The Akkad producing family demanded another film. No matter what, it had to happen. So rather than make another tired sequel (none of them are good past part III, with the exception of H2O), at least they went for a reboot ala Casino Royale and Batman Begins. And Thank God they went with Zombie, who has always cited Halloween as being his favourite film. So I don't doubt it'll be good, but I know for a fact it's not gonna top the original. It can't, especially when it focuses the whole first-third of the story on young Michael. The reason he was so effective in the original is because of the mystery. Oh well, at least it'll be fun. Malcolm McDowell as Dr. Sam Loomis was a masterstroke of casting. He may be able to match Donald Pleasance's take on the character. Four and 1/2 more months to go until I know for sure...